Get Up - Get Dressed - Keep Moving

Staying as active as possible when in hospital is essential for recovery, as bedrest can cause patients to lose muscle mass and strength at an alarming rate - one week of bed rest will result in 10% muscle loss, and 10 days in bed will age muscles by 10 years.

This is referred to as muscle deconditioning, and it can also make patients more susceptible to falling, developing pressure ulcers, and losing their independence – all of which can delay or even prevent them from leaving hospital. We know that the longer a patient stays in hospital, the greater the impact of deconditioning and the harder it is for the patient to return home or avoid re-admission.

During their stay, we will encourage patients to be as independent as possible, and staff will assist them with any activities they need help with. Anyone who comes into contact with patients on wards can encourage patients to get up, get dressed and keep moving, and to do tasks independently where possible – this is especially true for relatives and visitors, who can play a big part in reducing deconditioning in the patients they are visiting.

Visitors can ask ward staff for help if they are unsure which tasks are safe or appropriate for a patient to attempt.

Please see some advice and examples from our staff in the below videos.